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India's 'third gender': A marginalised social class

A census official collects information from eunuchs during the second phase of the census in Bhopal, India, 09 February 2011. (EPA/SANJEEV GUPTA)

Transgender - how did this community go from revered to living on the fringes of society? That is the plight of India’s estimated 5 million “hijras.”The term applies to a diverse group who identify as neither male nor female. They can range from natural intersex to male cross dresser. Respected by the Mughals, but considered criminals by British colonisers, today many live as sex workers and beggars. We speak to hijra and transgender activists who say not enough is being done to make them fully accepted members of Indian society again. Join us at 19:30 GMT.

India's 'third gender': A marginalised social class

Hijras fight for recognition in society.

With a unique culture spanning thousands of years in South Asia, hijrasconsider themselves neither male nor female. In ancient India, this "third sex" included barren women, impotent men, eunuchs, and hermaphrodites/intersex. Today "hijra" (also known in different communities as Kinnar, Kothi, Aravanis, Jogtas/Jogappas, Khusras or Shiv-Shaktis) refers to those born male or intersexed who live and dress like women. Many biological male hijras undergo a sacred ritual of castration ("nirvan") or sex reassignment surgery. There are upwards of 6 million Indians who identify as hijra, but statistics vary as the population census only includes "male" or "female" categories.

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Hijras were once a revered and accepted group in Indian culture. The Vedas, ancient Hindu texts, include eunuchs and characters with both male and female characteristics. They were believed to bring luck and provide special fertility powers. During the Mughal period, eunuchs played an important role in the court administration as royal guards. For centuries, they have performedbadhai, or blessings at weddings and births.

@mmbilal @AJStream pre Euro-Christian contact hijras were a regular group in Indian society. They were respected & not treated as outcastsZahira

Their sanctioned place in Indian culture changed during the British colonial period. Introduced in 1860 and not abolished until 2009, section 377 of the Indian Penal Code outlawed "carnal intercourse against the order of nature." Also that year, the Election Commission allowed "other" gender identification.

Thanks to the Election Commission of India for its decision to include 'Others' recognizing gender queer people. It is a landmark decisionKalki Subramaniam

The government's Aadhar program, started in 2009 that gives each citizen a unique ID number, now recognizes "transgender."

An Aadhar card helps marginalised communities open bank accounts, get mobile phones and receive some government services . However, it is estimated that as little as 25 per cent of transgenders obtain an Aadhar card. Transgenders are still barred from receiving driver licences, PAN cards (national tax system) and ration cards.

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@AJStream most of the #transgender individuals in #India live in poverty. Out of desperation, they coerce roadside vendors, #LGBT 1/3Giresh Nair

As a result of limited access to healthcare, employment or education, many hijras are pushed to the margins of society.

Being Hijra, I am not Indian ENOUGH………………… Once again it is not about being human or an individual but what sex you are born with or what gender preference you have. Just two days before I was giving lecture on six main fundamental rights of OUR COUNTRY, Which are right to equality, right to freedom, right to freedom of religion, right against exploitation, cultural and educational rights and right to constitutional remedies. And now I am not Indian or human enough to exercise my Rights.pastebin.com

Netizens commented on the social stigma facing India's hijras.

@sarah3amos Indian #transgenders No one talks to them , no one sits next to them, no one wants to do bizness with them. Lifetime of sufferinPritash Chaudry

@AJStream in #India effeminate boys are ragged, laughed at & humiliated, so you can imagine the plight of #transgender #LGBT folks @mmbilalGiresh Nair

Some netizens explained their mistrust of hijras.

@AJStream while I was on holiday in India I was told to give them money if they asked/approached otherwise they'd curse me with witchcraft.Hanna

@AJStream They rob people in markets, in trains. They don't work but beg.Shona Baba

The situation for hijras in India is gradually improving. In 2000 Shabnam Mausi was the first hijra to be elected into Indian parliament.

Shabnam Mausi demands fixing the rates of tips asked by #hijras. Nice attempt to improve the image of the community: http://bit.ly/14fhlVaLidija Stankovikj

In August 2013, 200 leaders from the transgender community met in Chennai for a state-level conference discussing the challenges facing their community.

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Activists such as Kalki Subramaniam have given a voice to transgender individuals in India who are claiming their space is society.

Kalki Subramaniam's Photos | Facebookfacebook.com

Translation: Hijra, ladies and gentleman please use other bathroom.

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#AllianceIndia’s Abhina Aher was the first #hijra from #India to lead the #PraguePride Walk. http://wp.me/p2qkZx-tF #Pehchan #LGBT #TGAlliance India